Bass Not Cutting Through The Mix

[Davy]

I have the classic issue of my bass isn't cutting through the mix very well at gigs.

I have no backline so I rely on my PA completely.

The problem I have is that I really like the 2 pickup mid-mid scoop type sound and while it sounds great in isolation, it's gets lost in the mix.

I also know that I should be pushing the mids to cut through and while I don't like the isolated sound, I'm sure it will cut through the band mix better.

So my question is which frequencies should I be cutting/pushing on my mixing desk(Behringer XR18).

For reference my pa speaker set up is 2x18 in bins and 2x12 tops.

Thanks in advance.

Edited 11 hours ago by Davy

[David Morison]

If you have the time during soundcheck, the best way of finding out what works for your particular band, taking account of the sound of the rest of the instruments, is to dial in a moderate mid boost, say 6dB, and sweep it upwards from say, 150Hz all the way to ~1500Hz. You'll hear pretty clearly what works & what doesn't that way.

 

[ezbass]

If you have the ability to blend your pickups, rather than just toggle switch, just favour the bridge a bit more, that will get you most of the way there. However, some sort of humped EQ curve from 250-750Hz should get the job done too.

[Downunderwonder]

Easiest thing to do is cut some bass and treble. Voila mids.

[spyder]

I have a similar problem with my passive two pickup bass and a Midas M18 with a Presonus PA. 

My solution is to use only 2- 3 db of  bass boost around 50 hz  and 3 dB treble boost around 1 khz to compensate for flat wound strings.

Leave the mids alone or use a small boost around 500hz.

Do not cut the mids.

This solution is essentially a flat eq. It will sound very week in the bass and bright on its own but in my situation it cuts through the band mix.

Edited 1 hour ago by spyder

[SimonK]

I tend to forget that my Bass itself has pretty good EQ options that can be adjusted on the fly. If not cutting through I would just fiddle with the onboard EQ while playing with the band to find something that works. Once you know what that is just dial it back should you ever be playing bass on your own!

[mep]

A bit of boost for the low mids, which works great for me. Keep the low frequencies in check though. Make sure you go out front during the sound check and are happy with your sound.

[Pinball]

Some thoughts

You can only adjust what is there in the first place in terms of power and tone. 

A passive or active bass makes no difference, provided the tone and punch is there, a good preamp peddle should do the trick.

Abandon you attachment to the sound of yourself in isolation and focus on what it sounds like in the mix. e.g. I love the sound of a Stingray in the mix but don't like the tone when solo'd.

GL